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Reflection after class can help yoga teachers fine tune their yoga class themes. What words made an impact, and which words fell flat?
Use playful poses like Goddess pose in the Springtime as part of your yoga class theme of Feminine Energy, Light or Positivity.
Use the theme of Fire for Yoga on the Beach or Summer workshops
What's in Your Toolbox? Tips and Treasures for Yoga Teachers
ARE YOU BLOCKING YOUR STUDENTS FROM A GOOD YOGA PRACTICE?
If you're like me, you love going to other yoga teacher's classes. It's fun to experience creative new sequences, hear inspiring words and feel the freedom of practicing without any sense of responsibility. But I'm constantly noticing "stumbling blocks" that keep yoga students from a good practice-- and these blocks are coming from the teacher!
Take a few moments and ask yourself if any of these stumbling blocks are happening in your classroom.
1) Your Students Can't See You. When a yoga teacher has his/her/their back to their students, there is simply NO WAY the instructor can on his/her/their students when they can't see their people! Solution: Learn to mirror-teach your class, and if there is a pose where you want them to see your backside, turn aroumd very briefly, and let them know why. "Watch how my shoulder blades draw inward" or "See how I ground my back foot."
2) Your Students Can't Hear You. Most yoga teachers are just a little bit guilty of this. We create the most awesome playlist, full of meaningful messages, powerful vocals and jammin' chanting. And, then, we try to cue a class. Do you know what your students are hearing? Not you, not the magical, mystical vocals. What they are hearing is their own inner voice repeating over and over, "I can't hear anything the teacher is saying... and I'm annoyed!" Solution: Use vocal tracks sparingly. Allow your students the mental space of ethereal music or gentle repeated chanting, and save the music with lyrics for your own practice.
3) Your Students Can't Follow You. It is NOT YOUR practice. Repeat, it is NOT YOUR practice. When I'm in your class, I don't want to see how deep your forward fold is, or how many yoga crunches you can do. What I do want is instruction for smart alignment and encouragement throughout MY practice. Solution: Get to know your students. Look them in the eyes. Know their physical limitations, what excites them and the poses that challenge them. You can make yoga a personal experience, for everyone, even the new students in your class. A compliment during class can make someone's whole day brighter. "Nancy, beautiful energy in your arms." "David, half moon pose looks like it's getting easier every time you do it. Nice job."
4) Your Students Are Confused. I recently attended a class where the teacher used the word "back" at least 50 times, referencing five different meanings. "Bring your hands back forward." "Arms go back up", "Back into twist", "Back your hands to feet" and "Back leg, back arm". Simple fix: Use the word "return" when you mean return or simply drop the word back, unless you are referring to the place on your body where your spine is. "Bring your hands forward" or "twist" or "walk your hands to your feet". I also hear awkward language that makes it sound like the students have more than one spine, or heart or head. "Lie on your backs." "Bring your hands to your hearts." "Turn your heads to the right". Solution: Think like a radio or TV announcer. Talk to one person, not to a crowd. "Place one palm flat on your heart". Some students have a hard time with left and right. If you want your students to twist to the right, say, "twist toward the green wall" or whatever reference point is to their right. Some poses, like flying cat or tree can be done without reference to right or left... allow your students to chose. When you come to second side, simply cue, "now switch sides."
5) Your Students Don't Have Options. Seeing a teacher take only the advanced version of a pose is not only intimidating, it can be dangerous. Solution: Give your students modifications! Make the more challenging poses accessible by demonstrating three variations. Offer blocks (or a wall!) like they are the norm, then cue to come away from the prop when ready.
A great way to learn from your own class is to record a video of YOUR STUDENTS (not you) and take notes on where the barriers are. Can they hear you? Can they see you? Are they clear on your directional cues? Are they practicing at an appropriate level? And, finally, transcribe your own cues. Take out repetitive and unclear cueing. If tried to do your class with just vocal cuing (think podcast) would they enjoy the practice?
And finally, get feedback from your fellow teachers. Invite them to your class for free in exchange for honest feedback. Give them specific things to look out for (use the list above as a start). Seek advise from experienced yogis (some of them are right there in your classroom), and practice specific improvements.
Soon, you'll be THAT teacher, teaching THAT class that everyone lines up for.
Becca Schmidt, E-RYT500 / YACEP, author of "52 Yoga Class Themes" has been teaching yoga for 20 years and coaches yoga teachers on voice, themes, cuing and connection.
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ADDING A THEME WILL ANCHOR YOU AS A TEACHER AND ENHANCE YOUR STUDENTS' EXPERIENCE
More than 2000 years ago, Maharishi Patanjali, considered the father of modern yoga, wrote down 196 principles for self transformation called The Yoga Sutras. The word sutra is derived from the Sanskrit words (su) for thread, and (tra) to transcend. The practice of yoga is the process of self-transformation through understanding the deep connection between mind, body and spirit.
As a yoga teacher, you can add these threads to ancient wisdom with antidotes, parables and insignt to your students’ practice in the form of a class theme.
The class themes outlined here will help you weave inspiration into asana, pranayama, pose sequences, mantras, mudras and guided meditations into your classes and well as give you a starting place for leading workshops, retreats and yoga teacher training courses.
Theming a class should not be complicated or cumbersome. In fact, part of the fun of theming a class, is gaining a better understanding of a topic for yourself! Your theme may weave tightly or loosely throughout class. But whatever your theme is, it must be relevant, accurate and include essential language. A good theme will enrich your student’s practice by giving them nuggets – or stitches – they can use to develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for their own yoga practice. As their guide, you will assist your students on the path of their own discovery.
Throughout the year, your themes may be presented in a sequential order, as they are in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs of Yoga, the Yamas and Niyamas, or the Chakras. Themes may also coincide with the moon cycles, the four seasons, or even world events. Class themes can be chosen more playfully, such as featuring the heart chakra on Valentine’s Day, the element of fire in the midst of a heat wave, or sharing lessons about Santosha (contentment) during December holidays. Themes are essential for workshops and retreats. In addition to the 52 yoga class themes, here, you’ll also find a list of workshop themes at the end of this book.
Very few yoga teachers can claim to be yoga historians or scholars. It takes many years of study (and a dedicated personal practice!) to have deep understanding of the principles and nuances of the vast field of yoga. But, a lack of proficiency should not stop you from artfully presenting what you do know.
Here are some helpful guidelines, as you prepare your class themes:
- Know Your Stuff: Within the context of teaching a class or workshop, you are in the seat of expertise. It is essential that you possess a comfortable knowledge of your topic. If there is a part of your theme that is not in your wheelhouse, don’t try to gloss over it, or make assumptions about your topic. Do your research. Take the time to practice each of the themes in this book in your own life so you can present it authentically, artfully and concisely. The more authentically you present your content, the better it will land with your students, and the more likely it is to make a lasting impact. Understand your theme in terms of your own yoga practice. If you’re introducing one or more of the Chakras, be able to describe what the overall Chakra system is, where each resides, characteristics of each Chakra, such as its color, its sound, association with particular elements, organs and physical and energetic zones. Give your students a personal example of how your theme enhances your own yoga practice.
- Use the Yamas and Niyamas and you'll have provide endless content for teaching yoga’s ethical practices and how they still apply in the 21st Century.
- Pronounce all words correctly! Take the time to learn how to say Sanskrit words used in many yoga practices like pada (foot), hasta (hand) suri (sun) and so on. The go-to resource for clear and correct pronunciation is the CD included with the book, The Language of Yoga by Nicolai Bachman. Watch a You Tube video of an Indian master speaking on your topic or even use Google Translate. If you’re using online sources, use more than one reference, and compare pronunciation. Listen to the word being pronounced a few times, and then practice before speaking it aloud. Mispronouncing the very word you’re using as a theme can derail your impact and the information will not land for your students.
- Seek out reliable sources If you’re teaching about Arjuna and Krishna on the battle field, reference the Bhagavad-Gita and the Mahabharata, an epic that describes events that took place in ancient India. Many concepts in yoga are derived from The Yoga Sutras, the Bhagavad-Gita, or include Hindu goddesses and gods, and so much more. A broad-based understanding of the background of your theme is essential. You may feel like you’re presenting only a fraction of what you know. But don’t be in hurry to spiel information just for the sake of filling the room with words.
- Do your research. The Internet is a starting place for fleshing up your theming, but there is rampant conflicting information and falsities on the web. Avoid the top search results that pop up with your Google search. Rely on information from websites like Himalayan Institute, Yoga Journal, Yoga International, Kripaulu and Gaiam. These websites and You Tube channels from these sources often feature interviews and short films with experts in the many disciplines of yoga. Read books! I can’t emphasize enough the importance of reading books and articles written by yoga scholars and experienced teachers. Books are essential tools for diving in deep with your topic. They are also essential for fact-checking. I’ve included a Top 20 list of books for a yoga teacher’s library. Many yogic concepts and stories have more than one meaning, many iterations, and even more than one pronunciation. Again, do your research, fact check and practice.
- Hindu gods and goddesses also offer endless opportunities for theming a class or workshop. A favorite amongst yoga teachers is Lord Ganesha, Hinduism's elephant-faced god. Ganesha (Ganesh, Ganapati) is a benevolent god, the remover of obstacles, patron of art and science, gatekeeper, scribe of the scriptures. The stories of Ganesha are rich and colorful and are relatable to the struggles of the modern yogi. One of my favorite stories to tell is how the mouse at Ganesha’s feet in various depictions, represents the over-active mind. Ganesha’s physical attributes (big ears, small mouth, elephant head, human torso, arms and legs) and sacred symbols (noose, conch shell, bowl of sweets, dagger, lotus flower, mouse at the foot, etc). You can see how just one topic lends itself to creative theming and this one in particular, is perfect for expanding over many weeks.
- Use music to enhance your themed class. If your theme is water for instance, you may choose to use water sounds, and (sparingly) vocal songs with a water theme. Be cautious about music with vocals because it can distract your students in so many ways. They may not LIKE your selection (oh my!), or they may not be able to discern your voice from the singer’s voice. This is especially common among students with mild or severe hearing challenges. Generally, you should never talk over a song where there is singing.
- Subtle or Blatant? Begin your class with seated time to introduce your theme — this can be very subtle. You’ll probably not ever say, “today’s class theme is…” it will be apparent as it needs to be. Cue with words that align with your theme. Sequence poses, including an apex pose, to align with your theme. Use a mantra, a mudra and personal antic dotes to support your theme. Even yoga practices that are regimented to particular poses, can be enhanced with a theme.
I've written a book with 52 weekly class themes — enough for a full year! They are listed in alphabetical order with a short description, a connection for teaching, words to use, and poses you may want to feature. This will be your starting place – your fabric and thread. Your additional research (and understanding), your interpretations and personal antidotes are what will add color and texture to your class. Just as Pantanjali’s Yoga Sutras give us the many threads, it is up to you, to create the tapestry.
Use a Theme to Enhance Your Class
Meet Me on the Mat...
Stories I recommend: Claire Hockey Pacific Medical
Activities to promote heart health: Tips & guidelines https://www.acls.net/heart-health
A healthy heart is a healthy life, for most cases at least. Keeping a healthy heart should not be difficult for anyone. There are a lot of activities that we can do to reduce our risk of getting any heart related diseases. It goes without saying that doing cardiovascular exercises promote a healthy heart but there are specific activities that not only promote a healthy heart but are also fun to do which can also contribute to your overall heart health.
1. Running
Running is on top of the list because it is the number one recommended activity for anyone who wants to keep a healthy heart. Running is a very easy cardio exercise that anyone of all ages can do. Running not only helps you maintain a healthy weight, it also helps to strengthen your heart muscle. Running also lowers blood pressure and maintains a healthy cholesterol level. These benefits help reduce the risk of heart diseases. The article Heart Health Benefits of Running discusses more on the benefits of running for a healthy heart.
2. Yoga
There is no stretching the truth here, yoga does help your heart! Yoga, as a form of exercise, involves lots of stretching and breathing movements. This promotes good circulation and good breathing. Although it is not an aerobic exercise, yoga can offer so much more than being an exercise. Yoga is a good stress relieving outlet. It promotes relaxation of the body and mind. Stress can cause a lot of negative effects in the body, especially the heart. Many reports show that instances of cardiac events stem from too much worrying and depression. Yoga is a way of breathing out all those negative emotional stresses and keeping your heart happy.
3. Dancing
Dancing is another cardio exercise that promotes a healthy and happy heart. A lot of exercises nowadays incorporate dancing as part of their promoted lifestyle. Some of the common ones are Tae Bo and Zumba. Because dancing is a cardiovascular exercise, it promotes weight loss, increased flexibility and overall improved physical performance. The benefits of dancing are not limited to the physiology of the heart. Dancing is fun! It promotes stress reduction and diminishes the tendencies of depression. On top of that, you get to meet a lot of new friends! The overall impact of dancing to your heart should be enough to convince you to put on those dancing shoes!
4. Laughing
Laughter indeed is the best medicine. The health benefits of laughter is not a myth. Our physiology is all affected by our emotions. Many emotions like stress, depression, loneliness and sadness have an immediate effect on our heart. Stress hormones release chemicals to our body that promote an unhealthy heart. Laughing causes an increase in our heart which makes us take deep and numerous breaths. This promotes healthy circulation and vascular function. So laugh your way to a healthy heart!
5. Gardening
This may come as a surprise but gardening is one of the hobbies that can contribute to a healthy heart. Gardening is a labor intensive hobby. It requires you to get sweaty and dirty. Gardening includes pulling out weeds, planting and mowing. This causes you to increase your heart rate and sweat, thus contributing to your vascular functions. Gardening also relieves stress and keeps your mind and hands occupied. Gardening also encourages healthy eating–garden to table food. And because one sooner or later sees the fruit of their gardening, it also promotes self fulfillment and a sense of accomplishment which boosts your overall mental, emotional and heart health.
There are many more activities that you can take up to help improve your heart health. Keep in mind that maintaining a healthy heart should not be stressful. A simple chat and laugh with your friends is already a step to helping your heart.
FAQs
Essential Props: two foam or cork blocks, a yoga blanket, strap, bolster and a wall!
Yoga Library: Yoga teachers, ask me about MY LIBRARY and what books I use every week when planning my classes.
